LAFAYETTE - When a great man passes, his legacy is broad; extending to every person touched by his generous spirit, humor and cheer.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated Sunday, September 3, 2017 from 2:00-5:00 pm at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alumni Center for Dr. John Keith Watson, 67, who passed away Thursday, August 31, 2017.

Keith grew up in Beaumont, Texas and graduated from French High School in 1968. He graduated from Lamar University in 1973. In 1974, he earned his Master's Degree in Economics from Texas A&M University followed by a Ph.D. in Economics in 1981 from Texas A&M. He was a Professor of Economics at: Oklahoma State University from 1980-1981, Auburn University from 1981-1988, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 1988-2017. His academic work has been published in economic journals, books, and essays. He received the ULL B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration's John T. and Sandra B. Landry Endowed Award for Teaching in 2013.

Keith was humorous, gentle and humble. He shared happiness and comfort with everyone he encountered. He enjoyed taking road trips to the mountains hoping to see elk along the way; cooking for his family and friends; hunting and fishing; teaching at UL; and woodworking at his home.

Survivors include his wife of forty-four years Patricia McDonald Watson and their three children, Thomas Watson and his wife Maly Ann, Elizabeth Watson and her partner Paul Hackett, and David Watson and his wife Katherine; granddaughter, Miriam Watson; sister Connie M. Kinney and her husband, Billy; brothers, Dennis Fritsche and his wife Lynne, and John "Laddy" Watson; step sister, Bridget O'Bannion; and stepmother, Dani Watson.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Avis E. Watson; his father Forrest H. Watson; and his brother William Perry Watson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship fund that will be set up in his name at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, please contact his family for details.